$20K worth of protective gear stolen from South Bay business; some slated for first responders

Thieves target South Bay business for gloves, face masks

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - The owners of a small business in San Jose that was burglarized over the weekend claim more than $20,000 worth of masks, gloves, and sanitizer were stolen.

They said the merchandise was supposed to go to first responders and essential workers.

The owners of Jesenia's Janitorial Supply couldn't believe their eyes when they arrived at the shop to find that someone had broken in, apparently by throwing a large boulder through the front door.

Owner Nancy Lopez Calderon said, "Glass everywhere. We came in and a lot of our supplies were missing."

The thieves took gloves, face masks, hand sanitizer, even toilet paper. The owners estimate the loss at upwards of $20,000.

What's worse is that most of the items were already earmarked for organizations like California Highway Patrol, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency (VTA), and health clinics.

Lopez Calderon said "We need these essentials for our community, to help workers and people that really need it. We're in an epidemic. We're short on supply and to have somebody come and vandalize and take our supplies, it's unfortunate."

Authorities said since the value of personal protective equipment has skyrocketed, they're seeing in increase in people trying to capitalize on the supplies.